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2/26/2008
Explorers to challenge top teams in league, announce home schedule for 2009 season
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Feb. 26, 2009) --- With the release of the Explorers’ 2009 schedule Thursday, General Manager Jeff Launius knew this would be a fantastic season with welcomed challenges for his defending Western Conference Champions.
Thursday, July 2 Explorers vs. New York Sportimes
Tuesday, July 7 Explorers vs. Newport Beach Breakers
Friday, July 10 Explorers vs. New York Buzz
Saturday, July 11 Explorers vs. Boston Lobsters
Sunday, July 12 Explorers vs. Springfield Lasers
Tuesday, July 14 Explorers vs. Sacramento Capitals
Saturday, July 18 Explorers vs. Washington Kastles starring the Bryan Brothers (KC)
“This will be a great season for our fans! We are fortunate to play four of our seven home matches on weekend dates,” said Launius. “The fans will also get to see some of the best talent in the league with the top three teams from the East playing on our court.”
The Explorers will host all four teams from last year’s play-offs at home this season. Among these opponents is the team’s Western Conference rival, the Sacramento Capitals. From the East, the Explorers will face off against the Boston Lobsters, the New York Sportimes and the 2008 League Champions, the New York Buzz, who defeated the Explorers in an incredibly close match in the 2008 Finals.
“We’re thrilled to have this caliber of tennis on our court this summer,” said Launius. “These opponents will definitely put up a great fight, but we are determined to defend our title and make this season even better than our last season!”
The Explorers wrap up the home season on a strong note as the Bryan Brothers join the Explorers for the final home match on July 18. The No. 1 men’s doubles team returns for their fifth season with the Explorers.
The Explorers team will be completed on March 31 at the WTT Roster Draft in Miami.
Along with the tremendous talent on the court, fans will enjoy an atmosphere unique in the tennis world. This season, the Explorers will have something for everyone, with nightly promotions such as Family Night and Ladies’ Night Out and more.
“Explorers tennis is not just about excellent tennis, it’s about the fans,” said Launius “We’re eager, not only to host great tennis matches, but also serve up a good time for everyone in attendance!”
All Explorers home matches are played at the M&I Bank Stadium, located on Barney Allis Plaza in downtown Kansas City. Matches will begin at 7:35 p.m. except the Sunday, July 12th match, which will begin at 6:35 p.m.
Don’t miss a single serve of the 2009 Explorers Season! Season tickets are now available. Individual tickets will go on sale May 20. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Explorers at (816) 513-5630. Visit the Kansas City Explorers website,
www.kcexplorers.com, for more information about the team and ticket sales.
League Background
The Advanta World TeamTennis Pro League, co-founded by Billie Jean King, is a professional co-ed sports league featuring three generations of tennis stars playing in a team format. The 34th season of the Advanta WTT Pro League runs July 2-26, concluding with the Advanta WTT Championship Weekend where teams battle for the coveted King Trophy.
WTT is well known for introducing innovative elements to tennis including instant replay, co-ed format, multi-colored courts, cumulative and no-ad scoring, on-court coaching, Supertiebreakers and player names on back of their shirts.